As per a research article published by two professors at the University of Helsinki in 2015, 57% of the students felt they learned more through the open-note examination style.
Tests are a part and parcel of the education system however, times are changing and the concept of open-note exams is becoming more and more validated. Teachers who have undergone an offline or online TEFL course are aware that the purpose of these tests should be to figure out what the students have processed rather than what they have memorized. This allows the students to be more relaxed and less stressed.
Thus, open-note tests allow the candidates to carry notes, study materials, cheat sheets, and even textbooks to the examination hall. They can refer to these materials while answering the questions during an examination.
"But then everyone will copy-paste the same answers!"
To answer this question, let’s learn more about this examination style.
Types Of Open-Note Exam
Open book exams are typically conducted by institutional faculties where the exam paper is comprised of application-based questions. Thus, to answer the question above, even if the student refers to their notes or textbook, they will not be able to find the exact answer to the specific questions. They might find situational references, but they will have to write the answers based on the practical theories learned in class.
Additionally, open-book exams are of two types:
- Restricted Type
Here the faculty only allows pre-approved materials such as hand written notes, formulae, or shortcuts. They might not allow textbooks to be carried inside the examination hall.
- Free Type
Here the examinees are allowed to carry whichever material they want. However, students cannot carry cell phones or other electronic devices as this can promote cheating. In these cases, invigilators strictly monitor the students to avoid any malpractice.
Top Benefits Of An Open-Book Exam
Here are the key advantages of promoting an open-note exam:
1. Reduced Exam Related Stress
When exams are taken through the traditional method, students often get stressed as these types of exams demand massive memorization. Not only every student possesses impeccable memorization skills and hence it might be difficult for them to retain so much information.
Therefore, when you conduct an open-book exam, it takes away the pressure of memorizing and students focus more on understanding the concept. This fosters a positive outlook towards learning thus enhancing performance.
2. Enhanced Application Based Learning
Test scores do not necessarily define the conceptual understanding of a student. While traditional exams focus more on the grading system, students focus more on studying the topics just to score well; it does not mean they understand everything they study.
But, when you shift to open-note test questions are designed in a manner so that they cannot be directly answered from the textbooks instead the students should have conceptual clarity to excel.
3. Motivates Students To Be Attentive
Students can carry N number of materials inside the exam hall, but how do they know where to find the answers? For students who are not attentive in class, the process of finding answers can be time-consuming.
Moreover, simply borrowing notes from their fellow examinees will not be of any help. Thus, the only solution is to be more attentive in class and create their own notes.
4. Encourages Broader Concept Learning
As talked about in the restrictive style of open book exams, students are allowed to carry only A-4 sheets of handwritten notes. They cannot be photocopies or printouts of someone else's notes.
Thus, students should have a broader understanding of the topics and possess relevant information to create concise notes. The process itself encourages students to study and read through a wide variety of resources.
The Bottom Line
In today's world where information is so readily available to everyone, people need to know where to look for this information and apply them to day-to-day activities. Open-note tests have proved to be one of the most ideal ways in achieving these objectives. Thus, if you want to upgrade your teaching style and make learning more fun by enhancing creative application and critical thinking, consider pursuing an in-class or online TEFL course.
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Written By : Sanjana
